March 23, 2025, 9:22 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Time and again, Raya ends up in the headlines. This is primarily due to its prominent user base. But what exactly is the dating app’s concept?
There are places where only a few people are allowed in. Exclusivity makes things valuable. While “ordinary” people search for lifelong partners on Tinder and similar platforms, the wealthy and celebrated mingle on Raya. But how exactly does the exclusive dating app work, and who can use it? In fact, these questions cannot be answered exactly, as most users keep a low profile.
A Big Mystery
Raya is a dating portal and iOS app for rich, creative, and prominent people or those who think they are. Launched in the USA in 2015, the portal does completely without marketing or PR. The founders provide a platform specifically for those looking to connect with influential or affluent individuals.
The identity of the individuals behind Raya remained a mystery for a considerable time. In 2018, Daniel Gendelman revealed himself as the initiator. He developed the idea for the app during his studies in Israel. Raya comes from Hebrew and means “friend.”
Compared to standard online dating services, the membership fees for this exclusive app are relatively modest. The fee model starts at a moderate 10 US dollars. However, former Raya members report that the app charges extra money for almost every additional interaction within the portal.
Raya Makes High Demands
However, only a select few ever gain insight into Raya’s inner workings. Figures are rare. For a while, it was said that only eight percent of the countless applicants opened the exclusive doors. The creators of Raya understand the allure of dating a celebrated athlete or actor.
Only very few interested parties overcome the hurdles. There is an application form on the simple website. Anyone can fill it in and send it off. Then, you need one or preferably two recommendations from active Raya members. Finally, interested parties should have an attractive Instagram profile with as many followers as possible.
Even if you fulfill all these criteria, admission is not guaranteed. After that, an undefined Raya community takes a closer look at the person and their life on Instagram. If the thumbs are then pointing upwards, it says: “Welcome to the exclusive world of Raya.”
While the usual online dating portals will show you Karl-Heinz from Buxtehude or Gisela from Bayreuth, Raya may have Ben Affleck from Los Angeles or Mats Hummels from Rome waiting for a date with you. Those seeking a partner on the app should be prepared with a substantial travel budget, as your next date could be thousands of kilometers away.
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Between Curiosity and Disillusionment
You can find testimonials from former Raya members online. These narratives often depict how the initial allure of glitz and glamor can quickly become complicated. In the beginning, there is great curiosity. Later, disillusionment sets in. Because real relationships rarely develop on Raya. There is talk of interesting dates in the reports. However, there are also reports of puffed-up bubbleheads lavishing on their wealth.
Some ex-members also report strict regulations. Allegedly, each user only has around 25 profiles to choose from every day. When it is finally “matched,” all communication is subject to the strictest secrecy. Taking screenshots of chat histories results in immediate expulsion from the app. Sometimes, however, “evidence” outside of Raya emerges, such as this video of actor Ben Affleck, which has since been clicked on millions of times on social media.
Anyone searching online for information about Raya will inevitably come across “How to get on Raya” or similar advice pages. You should critically assess the credibility of such advice for yourself. In any case, no tip in the world will help you get past the Raya community and its final assessment.